The (International) Noise Conspiracy - Armed Love

Genre rock Publisher Burning Heart Records External Links Official Website Burning Heart

Yeah they obviously love the strut and propulsion of the Stooges. And yeah, The (International) Noise Conspiracy's lead singer, Dennis Lyxzen, does sound a lot like his Swedish countryman, The Hives' leader Pelle Almquist, at times. But man does The (International) Noise Conspiracy ever put out some fantastic rock and roll that swings and shouts. They may be social anarchists at heart, but that heart beats with the rhythm of cracking snares and driving guitars.

It's been a long while since we've heard from the band (2002's fantastic EP, Bigger Cages, Longer Chains), and despite losing a bit of that recording's rage, Armed Love makes up for it with fat helpings of garage-soul.

Produced by Rick Rubin, who is ubiquitous this year, and featuring keyboard work by the legendary Billy Preston as well as resident member of Tom Petty's Heartbreakers, Benmont Tench, the band add a little boogie-woogie to their socially conscious lyrics. These lyrics never come off as preachy or pulpit-leaning. The band have obviously read their Marx front and back to the point where it's in their pores. Revolution is what they seek and the first hurdle is getting people to listen. INC knows that to get to the mind, you must first go through the hips.

Armed Love is fast and furious. Ten songs amount to less than 40 minutes of time (feels like less actually). It's the way their heroes used to do it. Get in and get the heck out. Even with no signs left behind in their wake, the listener still feels changed afterwards. Not violated, but redeemed, motivated and born anew. Give The (International) Noise Conspiracy a chance to get into you.